MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Jeremy Doku of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Whether or not Manchester City is back to its best depends on who you ask. Some believe Pep Guardiola’s team has built the momentum to be considered among this season’s Premier League’s title challengers. Others argue it’s still too early in City’s latest evolution to be held in such esteem.
Either way, there are signs that the Etihad stadium outfit is on an upward trajectory again and Jeremy Doku has been integral to this upswing. Indeed, the Belgian is in the best form of his Manchester City career to date, contributing five goal contributions in just seven appearances in all competitions this season.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Pep Guardiola and Jeremy Doku #11 of Manchester City FC share a moment after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, United States. (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Guardiola has changed his style of play since the summer with City’s attackers afforded more space to attack. This has helped to get the best out of Erling Haaland again and it also suits Doku who is showing more intent and determination to beat his man when isolated against opponents.
“I ask the wingers in the final third to go one v one,” said Guardiola when asked to assess Doku’s impact this season. “I have the feeling that Jeremy’s decision making in the final third has improved like – wow! – compared to the past. Assists, goals, seeing the channels. He’s an incredible threat against teams with a low block – he’s really important. When it is more transitional he can maybe struggle a little bit, but when they are in the box, he’s really good.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Erling Haaland of Manchester City FC celebrate with Jeremy Doku, Savinho after scoring a opening goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester City FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
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“For example the second goal [of the 5-1 win over Burnley] when Jeremy went there, two or three opponents went. When Jeremy is there, they send two or three because in the box one v one he is unstoppable. Over five or ten yards, no winger can match Jeremy. He can go left or right. That means anyone near him will be free to make a cross.”
Previously, Doku was a frustrating figure to watch for Manchester City. The Belgian’s natural ability has always been apparent, but his decision-making in the attacking third would frequently let him down. This season, though, it’s been a different story with Doku one of City’s most consistent performers.
Time will tell if Manchester City can mount a genuine title challenge this season. Liverpool and Arsenal might ultimately be stronger than Guardiola’s side over the course of a full season, but there are at least indications that City is gearing up for a new era. The improvement in Doku’s performances are among the starkest signs of this.